Rainbows - Viewing

QUESTION: I have heard that one is not permitted to look at a rainbow. Is this correct?

ANSWER: The Gemara (Chagiga 16a) states that “one who is indifferent to the honor of his Creator, it would have been better that he not been created. To whom does this refer? Rebbi Abba says it refers to one who stares at a rainbow.” The Gemara explains that this is based on a verse in Yechezkel (1:28) that compares the appearance of a rainbow with the glory of Hashem. The Gemara concludes that the eyes of one who stares at a rainbow will dim. The Beis Yosef (OC 229) quotes the Rosh that it is only forbidden to stare, which refers to gazing intently, but one is permitted to glimpse briefly at a rainbow. Sefer B’tzel Hachochma (2:18) writes that one should not stare even at the reflection of a rainbow, even though one cannot recite a beracha on seeing the reflection.

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The Gerald & Karin Feldhamer OU Kosher Halacha Yomis is dedicated to the memory of Rav Yisroel Belsky, zt"l, who served as halachic consultant for OU Kosher for more than 28 years; many of the responses in Halacha Yomis are based on the rulings of Rabbi Belsky. Subscribe to the Halacha Yomis daily email here.